Ford Festiva recalls

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

• United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
• United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk

1. Front seat belt buckle buttons may break

   Reported June 27, 1995Model years 1988–1991NHTSA campaign 95V103011265,000 vehicles affected

   A release button can break, allowing pieces into the buckle and causing it to work improperly. The seat belt may not protect an occupant adequately in a crash. Check both buckles; a dealer will repair or replace a faulty buckle free of charge. A remedy for buttons that are not broken is being developed.

   Official NHTSA recall text

   Component

   SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

   Defect

   THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

   Consequence

   THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

   Remedy

   OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THAT LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

   Notes

   SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; BELT BUCKLES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY BELTS MADE BY TAKATA CORPORATION.NOTE: THE 1987 THROUGH 1989 4-DOOR MERCURY TRACERS INVOLVED IN THIS RECALLCAMPAIGN WERE ONLY SOLD IN CANADA. NO TRACERS SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES ARE INVOLVED.NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

2. Seat belt warning lights may not work in cold weather

   Reported March 8, 1990Model years 1990NHTSA campaign 90V045000268 vehicles affected

   In cold temperatures, the seat belt warning lights may not turn on with the ignition, so occupants may not be reminded to buckle up. Replace the instrument cluster.

   Official NHTSA recall text

   Component

   SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

   Defect

   THE "FASTEN SEAT BELTS" WARNING LIGHTS MAY NOT WORK WHEN THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED TO THE "ON" POSITION DURING COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

   Consequence

   OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT RECEIVE THIS WARNING TO USE SAFETY BELTS AND CARS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208.

   Remedy

   FORD WILL REPLACE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN THE AFFECTED CARS.

   Notes

   SYSTEM: SAFETY BELT WARNING LIGHTS; FMVSS 208.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.